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Man critical after crash – Lake Macquarie

An 18-year-old man has suffered critical injuries after crashing his car at Freemans Waterhole, then being hit by a second car on the M1 early this morning.

About 2.30am (Tuesday 2 February 2016), a Nissan X-Trail being driven north on the M1 at Freemans Waterhole, about 300 meters north of the Freemans Drive overpass, lost control and landed on its roof.

The driver of the vehicle managed to free himself from the car and was standing on the road when he was hit by a Mercedes Van also travelling north on the M1.

The 18-year-old man suffered critical injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the Mercedes was not injured and was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command, together with officers from the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit will conduct a full investigation.

The M1 is closed northbound at the Cessnock turnoff and diversions are in place.

Coming up at The Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

Twilight By The Lagoon

The Twilight by the Lagoon summer series of concerts continues with a very special evening. Join the Groove Factorie for a very groovy evening of music.

Groove Factorie are some of Wagga’s finest musicians who come together to celebrate the music that inspires them to play, drawing from a huge catalogue of music and styles.

The band members are Geoff Simpson (Bass), Dale Allison (Guitar), Dave Wall (Keyboards), Riley McPherson (Drums), Andrew Heap (Trumpet), Richard Hibble (Tenor Sax) and Dave Saxon (Trombone), together they groove, jam and turn inside out some fantastic music.

A performance from The Groove Factorie always features impressive vocalists and on Friday evening you will hear Cathy Wall, Justine Hogan, Maddy Helyar, Harry Mangelsdorf, Matt Olsen and Cheyne Halloran.

Bring the whole family, a picnic supper and settle to enjoy the mellow surrounds of the Wollundry Lagoon.

Free Pony Rides for the kids from 6.15pm
Performance from 7pm
Bring your family, friends and a picnic supper! (Ice-creams, coffee and a BBQ will be available too)

This is a FREE community event.
Friday 4th February at 7:00pm

The Sun Records All-Stars

A celebration of the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1950’s, The Sun Records All-Stars traces the music from it’s humble roots in Memphis, Tennessee, to it’s dramatic peak as a worldwide musical and cultural phenomenon. Sun Records was launched by legendary American producer Sam Phillips and became the launching pad for numerous Rock ‘n’ Roll Greats, most notably Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison.

Adults: $65.00 | Concession: $55.00
Sunday 7th February at 8:00pm

GOLD: The Abba Tribute presents:

Dancing Queen – The 40th Anniversary Tour!
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of ABBA’s signature songs, Happy Days Records and GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show present Dancing Queen: The 40th Anniversary Tour, set to thrill audiences in 2016 with a brand new show.

‘Dancing Queen’ is arguably one of ABBA’s most popular songs. Released in August 1976, the single lead the release of the band’s fourth album ‘Arrival’. In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine listed the track as one of the greatest songs of all time, so it’s only natural that we bring out the flares and platform shoes and raise the disco ball in a production that will have you shamelessly dancing in the aisles.

ONLY SINGLE TICKETS LEFT
Adult: $59.90 | Concession: $49.90
Friday 12th February at 8:00pm

The Searchers

In a career that has reached an outstanding 50 years milestone, The Searchers continue to perform to sell out auditoriums in every country they play! Their show is pure entertainment with such classic hits as ‘Sweets for My Sweet; Needles and Pins; Don’t Throw Your Love Away, When you Walk in the Room, Sugar and Spice’.

Adults: $69.90 | Concession: $66.90
Thursday 18th February at 7:30pm

4000 Miles by Amy Herzog

21-year-old Leo rocks up unannounced at the Manhattan apartment of his 91-year-old Jewish grandmother Vera. Having broken up with his girlfriend and cycled across the country, he needs a place to crash for the night, no questions asked. But Vera – prickly, stubborn and sharp as a tack – isn’t about to let him off that easily.

As an overnight couch-surf turns into an extended stay, 4000 Miles unearths a surprising parallel between these two generations in this emotionally compelling drama. With disarming frankness and surprising candour, the two negotiate social potholes and trace emotional fault lines that link them to a painful family history.

4000 Miles is part of the Civic Theatre’s 2016 Season.

Adults: $42.00 | Concession: $37.00 | U/25: $31.00 | U/15: $15.00
Saturday 27th February at 7:30pm

Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

www.civictheatre.com.au

Two men charged over alleged retail theft – Heatherbrae

Two men have been charged over alleged shoplifting offences near Newcastle yesterday.

About 4.15pm (Sunday 31 January 2016), the pair allegedly entered a hardware store on Griffith Street, Heatherbrae, and stole a number of items.

Officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command attended and located two men – aged 21 and 46 – in the car park of the store.

Police searched the men and a vehicle, where it’s alleged they located several stolen power tools and other items.

The men were arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The 21-year-old was charged with three counts of larceny and possess housebreaking implements.

The 46-year-old charged with one count of larceny.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Monday 1 February 2016).

Investigations are continuing.

Police warn of dangerous substance – Central Hunter

Police in the Hunter have issued a drug warning after a teenage boy died, and two men fell seriously ill, after allegedly consuming a substance believed to be a synthetic form of cannabis.

Around 8pm yesterday (Saturday 30 January 2016), emergency services were called to Baird Close, Rutherford, after the body of a 17-year-old teenage boy was discovered in a reserve.

While the results of a post-mortem examination are not yet available, police have since been told the teen consumed a substance branded as ‘Chronic’ in the hours before his body was discovered.

A short time ago (Sunday 31 January 2016), police were made aware of two men, both aged 22, who fell ill in the suburb of Telarah after consuming ‘Chronic’ earlier today. Both men are being treated by healthcare professionals; their symptoms are not believed to be life-threatening.

This afternoon, officers from the Central Hunter Local Area Command executed a search warrant at a property in Tresure Street, Rutherford. During the warrant, police seized a quantity of ‘Chronic’.

Police are warning anyone who is considering experimenting with illicit or synthetic drugs, no matter how they are branded or presented, to not do it. It’s a gamble with your life that’s just not worth taking.

Investigations are ongoing.

CITY RECITAL HALL BEETHOVEN & THE 21ST CENTURY

13 – 19 FEBRUARY 2016

“Probably the most engaging maverick in classical music today” The Times (UK)

From 13 to 19 February, join the Australian Chamber Orchestra for their opening program of 2016, Beethoven and the 21st Century, featuring maverick Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto as he takes up his position as ACO Collective Artistic Director.

Experience his boundary-breaking talent and keen musical insight in a far-reaching program that features works by Beethoven, Sibelius, Tippett and Erkki-Sven Tüür sitting alongside music by Pekka’s friends and collaborators Nico Muhly and The National’s Bryce Dessner.

Three charged with drug matters – Warners Bay

Three people have been detained and charged with several drug matters after a vehicle search at Warners Bay overnight.

About 11.15pm on Thursday 28 January 2016, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were patrolling the vicinity of Boolaroo when they observed the occupants of a Holden Barina acting suspiciously.

The officers followed the Holden for a distance before conducting a vehicle stop in Warners Bay.

The front seat passenger a 30-year-old man was allegedly found to be in possession of Methyl-Amphetamine while the driver a 25-year-old woman had drugs and cash.

The rear seat passenger, a 26-year-old man was found to have prescription drugs and two knives.

The older man was arrested and conveyed to Belmont Police Station where he was later charged with breach of bail, supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, possess prohibited drug and deal with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.

The woman was issued with a field court attendance notice for possess prohibited drug.

The younger man was issued a filed court attendance notice for possess restricted substance and possess knife in a public place.

Pair charged following alleged pursuit – Newcastle

Two people have been charged following an alleged pursuit in Newcastle overnight.

About 11pm (Wednesday 27 January 2016), a blue Toyota Corolla was stopped by Newcastle Highway Patrol officers on Platt Street, Waratah.

During the stop, the vehicle fled the location and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued into Hamilton, until the Corolla reached the intersection of Samdom Street and Belford Road.

It’s alleged the driver travelled through the intersection against a red light signal and collided with a police vehicle that was travelling west-bound.

The police vehicle was travelling through the intersection on a green light signal and was not involved in the pursuit at the time.

The Corolla continued through the intersection and hit a brick wall on a property on Samdom Street.

No one was injured during either collision.

The 29-year-old male driver and 18-year-old female passenger were both arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

During a subsequent search of the Corolla, police allegedly discovered prohibited drugs and property believed to be stolen.

The man was charged with police pursuit (Skye’s Law), drive manner dangerous, drive while disqualified, negligent driving, goods in custody, display misleading plates, use unregistered vehicle, resist arrest and two outstanding warrants.

He was refused bail and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 28 January 2016).

The woman was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for possess prohibited drug.

Hydroponic lab dismantled, drugs seized during search warrant – Adelong

Police are investigating after uncovering a hydroponic setup in the Riverina yesterday.

About 5pm (Tuesday 26 January 2016), officers from Cootamundra Local Area Command executed a search warrant at a storage facility next to a home on Gilmore Street, Adelong.

During the search, police discovered a hydroponic laboratory in the storage facility. The equipment is valued at about $20,000.

Police also located and seized a kilo of cannabis, and fireworks.

A crime scene was established and examinations are continuing.

The property’s owner, a 36-year-old woman, is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

COUNTRY SWEETHEART CHRISTIE LAMB WINS HER FIRST GOLDEN GUITAR

Country sweetheart Christie Lamb has won her first Golden Guitar, taking out the CMAA image011Qantaslink New Talent of the Year award at the revered Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony at Tamworth Country Music Festival this past weekend. The award wraps up an incredible 12-months for the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been carving a musical niche with her distinct style of country-rock. It is not the first accolade that the talented songstress was nominated for in 2016, she is also a finalist for the CMC Female Oz Artist of the Year and CMC Oz Artist of the Year.

Winning the first Golden Guitar of her career is an auspicious step for a musician who is already planning on heading into the studio this year to record her next offering. In fact, Christie was one of only two female artists to win on the night, proudly standing beside Catherine Britt, who won the Female Artist of the Year accolade.

Christie says as an independent artist, she was blown away to receive the award and was proud to stand beside the other finalists who included incredible Australian artists. “Receiving the Golden Guitar was absolutely amazing,” she says. “I first went to Tamworth ten years before as a busker and watched all the big artists at TRECC. It was honestly surreal, looking at the artists in the front row and seeing all those same faces watching me on that stage accepting my Golden Guitar. It was honestly a night I will never forget.”

After forging a special music connection with Lee Kernaghan and Robby X in 2015 while touring as part of Lee’s iconic The Songs & The Stories in Concert tour, Christie says the night was all the more meaningful when they presented her the award. It gave her an opportunity to publicly thank Lee for inviting her on the tour, which visited regional and metropolitan centres during the second half of last year.

“To not only open the show for Lee Kernaghan, but to sing with him and be a part of his band Country sweetheart Christie Lamb has won her first Golden Guitar, taking out the CMAA Qantaslink New Talent of the Year award at the revered Country Music Awards of Australia ceremony at Tamworth Country Music Festival this past weekend. The award wraps up an incredible 12-months for the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been carving a musical niche with her distinct style of country-rock. It is not the first accolade that the talented songstress was nominated for in 2016, she is also a finalist for the CMC Female Oz Artist of the Year and CMC Oz Artist of the Year.

Winning the first Golden Guitar of her career is an auspicious step for a musician who is already planning on heading into the studio this year to record her next offering. In fact, Christie was one of only two female artists to win on the night, proudly standing beside Catherine Britt, who won the Female Artist of the Year accolade.

Christie says as an independent artist, she was blown away to receive the award and was proud to stand beside the other finalists who included incredible Australian artists. “Receiving the Golden Guitar was absolutely amazing,” she says. “I first went to Tamworth ten years before as a busker and watched all the big artists at TRECC. It was honestly surreal, looking at the artists in the front row and seeing all those same faces watching me on that stage accepting my Golden Guitar. It was honestly a night I will never forget.”

After forging a special music connection with Lee Kernaghan and Robby X in 2015 while touring as part of Lee’s iconic The Songs & The Stories in Concert tour, Christie says the night was all the more meaningful when they presented her the award. It gave her an opportunity to publicly thank Lee for inviting her on the tour, which visited regional and metropolitan centres during the second half of last year.

“To not only open the show for Lee Kernaghan, but to sing with him and be a part of his band with The Wolfe Brothers was definitely a dream come true for me,” she says. “It was a privilege to be part of such a special tour showcasing the true stories from the hugely success The Spirit of the Anzacs album.”

Christie also gave a nod to her fellow artists Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds for the good times they had during 2015 on The Girls of Country Tour. She thanked the CMAA, Toyota and Qantaslink for their support, and made special mention of her producer Andrew Cochrane and her plans to record in 2016. Acknowledging the support of CMC and local radio, Christie also thanked those in the media for giving artists a platform to showcase their music and for supporting her career thus far.

Christie Lamb smashed onto the Australian country music scene with her debut self-titled EP. She was selected to tour with iconic artist Jon English on his Rock Revolution tour throughout 2012 and 2013. After multiple writing trips to Nashville, she launched her debut self-titled album in 2014, where it hit #1 on the ARIA Hit Seekers Chart (all genres) and #2 on the ARIA Australian Artist Country Chart. The album itself spurned three #1 singles and two Top 5 singles. No stranger to performing, Christie has appeared on the bill of some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Deni Ute Muster, Mud Bulls and Music Festival, Urban Country Music Festival and Sydney Country Music Festival to name a few.

It is certainly looking like it will be a huge year for Christie Lamb. With lots of shows in the works, it isn’t surprising to find out this hard-working musician doesn’t plan on taking a break. “This year is going to be a busy one for me, which is great,” says Christie. “Along with my own shows, I will be back on the road touring again as part of some big tours. I will also be performing at a couple of upcoming festivals with The Girls of Country with Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds, in between fitting in time to record my new album.”

Stay tuned for some big announcements coming soon for Christie’s touring schedule for 2016.

with The Wolfe Brothers was definitely a dream come true for me,” she says. “It was a privilege to be part of such a special tour showcasing the true stories from the hugely success The Spirit of the Anzacs album.”

Christie also gave a nod to her fellow artists Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds for the good times they had during 2015 on The Girls of Country Tour. She thanked the CMAA, Toyota and Qantaslink for their support, and made special mention of her producer Andrew Cochrane and her plans to record in 2016. Acknowledging the support of CMC and local radio, Christie also thanked those in the media for giving artists a platform to showcase their music and for supporting her career thus far.

Christie Lamb smashed onto the Australian country music scene with her debut self-titled EP. She was selected to tour with iconic artist Jon English on his Rock Revolution tour throughout 2012 and 2013. After multiple writing trips to Nashville, she launched her debut self-titled album in 2014, where it hit #1 on the ARIA Hit Seekers Chart (all genres) and #2 on the ARIA Australian Artist Country Chart. The album itself spurned three #1 singles and two Top 5 singles. No stranger to performing, Christie has appeared on the bill of some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Deni Ute Muster, Mud Bulls and Music Festival, Urban Country Music Festival and Sydney Country Music Festival to name a few.

It is certainly looking like it will be a huge year for Christie Lamb. With lots of shows in the works, it isn’t surprising to find out this hard-working musician doesn’t plan on taking a break. “This year is going to be a busy one for me, which is great,” says Christie. “Along with my own shows, I will be back on the road touring again as part of some big tours. I will also be performing at a couple of upcoming festivals with The Girls of Country with Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds, in between fitting in time to record my new album.”

Stay tuned for some big announcements coming soon for Christie’s touring schedule for 2016.

Apia Good Times Tour returns in 2016 with a stellar line-up of local legends!

Apia is proud to announce that the annual Apia Good Times Tour is returning in 2016 for the fourth year running. With another stellar line-up of Antipodean legends including Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, and making their “Good Times” debut, Jon Stevens and John Paul Young, will take to the stage to perform their hits separately and together for a show that will have audiences across the country up on their feet, singing along.

The 2016 Apia Good Times Tour kicks off on Wednesday, 18 May in Darwin before heading to Adelaide, Perth, Bunbury, Bendigo, Melbourne, Geelong, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Tweed Heads, Newcastle, Sydney, Shoalhaven, Canberra and Launceston, finishing up the “Good Times” in Hobart. Tickets to all shows go on sale at 10.00am local times on Wednesday, 3 February.

This year’s legendary line-up have a huge array of hits to draw from including The Horses, As The Days Go By, Pash, Bedroom Eyes, Touch, Take Me Back, Yesterday’s Hero and Love Is In The Air, to name a few. Each artist will perform a solo set of their hits and join in an extraordinary finale with all four sharing the stage.

Backed by a world-class, six-piece band, and with three former cast members of Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as the hits above, music fans will no doubt be delighted by some magic ‘Superstar’ moments, when the Apia Good Times Tour takes to the road in May and June.

Daryl Braithwaite is back after a very successful first year Apia Good Times Tour debut, bringing with him a wealth of history and hits to choose from. From his early days as lead singer of 70’s hitmakers, Sherbet (Howzat!, You’ve Got The Gun, Summer Love) through to being voted King of Pop for 3 successive years (1975-1977) and beyond, Daryl Braithwaite has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years including ARIA Chart toppers As The Days Go By, Higher Than Hope and The Horses and Apia is thrilled to have him join in the “Good Times” again in 2016.

Kate Ceberano first found fame with her funk band I’m Talking, who are widely acknowledged as the band who pioneered New York-style art pop in Australia. The group’s ‘platinum’ debut album included three top ten singles and secured Kate a spot in Australian music history. With 3 ARIA Awards, a Logie, two People’s Choice Awards and seven nominations for the ARIA Best Female Artist Award, Kate Ceberano’s talents and triumphs are that of Australian entertainment royalty. In her 30+ year career, Kate Ceberano has released 23 albums, performed in the stage productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and South Pacific, had her own tonight show on the ABC, won Dancing with the Stars and curated the Adelaide Cabaret Festival to name just a few of her multitude of career milestones.

For over 30 years, Jon Stevens has had a remarkable career as a singer, songwriter and performer. His achievements have included ARIA chart-topping success as the frontman of legendary Australian band, Noiseworks (Touch, Take Me Back, No Lies, Hot Chilli Woman) joining INXS as the “seventh member”, and maintaining a successful solo career as one of the country’s foremost touring artists. Like Kate Ceberano, Jon also starred in the 1992 highly acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar and in 2013 he again trod the Superstar boards, this time in the role of Pontius Pilate. In 2000, a studio collaboration saw Stevens become part of rock band INXS as guest vocalist spending the next 3 years touring the world before returning home to unleash a further two solo albums. In 2012 Jon formed The Dead Daisies, once again getting back out on the road in 2013 and 2014 touring across the USA and New Zealand and in 2015 released his first solo album in four years, Woman.

As undoubtedly one of the most popular Australian artists of the 70’s, John Paul Young has cemented himself a place in music history with a string of hits resulting in over 4 million record sales and capped with an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009. Following a stint as Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar (1972-1974), “JPY” went on to became a Countdown regular, both as guest and performer, with his easy going personality making him a favourite with fans. More major hits followed – The Love Game, I Hate The Music, I Wanna Do It With You, Standing In The Rain (all Top 10 hits) and his June 1978 No. 1 song, Love Is In The Air, also a huge hit internationally following the release of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom in 1992.

Tickets to the Apia Good Times Tour go on sale to the general public at 10.00am, local times, on Wednesday, 3 February 2016. Apia customers will have the opportunity to access pre-sale tickets on Monday, 1 February and venue and ticket outlet database members will have early access from Tuesday, 2 February.

The Apia Good Times Tour is proudly brought to you by Apia, celebrating over 50s living life at their best.
Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin, NT

Tickets available from the Box Office, 08 8980 3333 and www.yourcentre.com.au

Friday, 20 May 2016

Adelaide Entertainment Centre (Theatre Mode), Adelaide, SA

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

Saturday, 21 May 2016

Perth Concert Hall, Perth, WA

Tickets available from Ticketmaster – 136 100 and www.ticketmaster.com.au

– and – Perth Concert Hall Box Office, 08 9231 9999 and www.perthconcerthall.com.au

Sunday, 22 May 2016*

Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury, WA

Tickets available from the BREC Box Office, 1300 661 272 and www.bunburyentertainment.com

*4pm matinee show

Friday, 27 May 2016

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo, Vic

Tickets available from the Box office, 03 5434 6100 and www.gotix.com.au

Saturday, 28 May 2016

Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Vic

Tickets available from Ticketmaster – 136 100 and www.ticketmaster.com.au

Sunday, 29 May 2016

Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong, Vic

Tickets available from GPAC – 03 5225 1200 and www.gpac.org.au

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, Qld

Tickets available from the Box office, 1300 655 299 and www.empiretheatre.com.au

Friday, 3 June 2016

QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane, Qld

Tickets available from the Box Office, 136 246 and www.qpac.com.au

Saturday, 4 June 2016

Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads, NSW

Tickets available from the Box office, 1800 014 014 and www.twintowns.com.au

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Civic Theatre, Newcastle, NSW

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

-and- the Box Office, 02 4929 1977 and www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Friday, 10 June 2016

Enmore Theatre, Enmore/Sydney, NSW

Tickets available from Ticketek – 132 849 and www.ticketek.com

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven, NSW

Tickets available from the Box Office, 1300 788 503 and www.shoalhavenentertainment.com.au

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra, ACT

Tickets available from the Box Office, 02 6275 2700 and www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Friday, 17 June 2016

Princess Theatre, Launceston, TAS

Tickets available from the Box Office, 03 6323 3666 and www.theatrenorth.com.au

Sunday, 18 June 2016

Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart, TAS

Tickets available from Tixtas – 1300 795 257 and www.tixtas.com.au
For more information or to book, visit www.apiagoodtimes.com.au